New AirPods Pro firmware beta brings head shaking and improved noise isolation

Apple provides developer betas for nearly all of its platforms, even AirPods. These AirPods firmware betas aren't as common as the beta updates for the other platforms, but with Apple adding notable new features to the mix, developers need time to test ahead of the public release.

The third beta brings the AirPods Pro 2 firmware build version to 7A266c. This beta is only for that model and won't be released for AirPods Max or other non H2 devices.

The release contains features Apple announced during WWDC, including the new head shaking yes or no for replying to Siri. The improved noise isolation and personalized spatial audio for gaming are also present.

How to install the AirPods firmware beta

Apple has made it relatively easy to download and install beta versions for iOS and macOS, but that's not the case for AirPods firmware updates.

The first step in the process is to have a registered developer account, which is now free. Once you do that, follow these steps:

• Ensure Developer Mode is enabled in Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Developer Mode.
• If it is enabled or after enabling it, go to Settings -> Developer.
• Near the bottom, select Pre-Release Beta Firmware under AirPods Testing.
• Select which AirPods you'd like to enroll in the beta.

You can watch the video above to see the process if you need any assistance. Be aware that sometimes the Developer Mode might not pop up as required in the process, which means connecting the iPhone to a Mac running the current Xcode beta.